Indulge in the decadent fusion of two beloved desserts with my irresistible chocolate pecan pie cake recipe. This delightful treat combines the rich, gooey goodness of a classic pecan pie with the moist, chocolatey layers of a cake.
In this article, I’ll share my simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence. The marriage of crunchy pecans, velvety chocolate, and buttery cake layers creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
Join me on a culinary adventure as we explore the delightful world of chocolate pecan pie cake, where every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to create this show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
To create this delightful chocolate pecan pie cake, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure a smooth baking process and excellent results. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls in different sizes for preparing the various components of the cake.
- Whisk: A whisk will come in handy for blending ingredients smoothly and incorporating air into the batter.
- Electric Mixer: Using an electric mixer will save you time and effort when whipping up the cake batter.
- 9-inch Cake Pans (2): Prepare two round 9-inch cake pans for baking the chocolate cake layers.
- Parchment Paper: Line your cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Saucepan: You’ll need a saucepan to prepare the pecan pie filling and salted caramel.
- Baking Sheet: Use a baking sheet to toast the pecans for added flavor and crunch.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack will help the cake layers cool evenly after baking.
- Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is perfect for spreading and layering frosting on the cake.
- Cake Stand or Plate: Present your chocolate pecan pie cake beautifully on a cake stand or serving plate.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to slice through the layers of the cake and serve perfect portions.
Preparation
In this section, I will guide you through the preparation steps to create the delightful chocolate pecan pie cake. Let’s start by making the chocolate cake, followed by preparing the rich pecan pie filling, and finishing up with crafting the luscious salted caramel.
Make the Chocolate Cake
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling
For the decadent pecan pie filling, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup of corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it starts to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 cups of chopped pecans. Let the filling cool slightly before using.
Create the Salted Caramel
In a clean saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, followed by 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir the mixture until smooth and let it cool slightly before drizzling over the assembled cake.
With these preparation steps, you are well on your way to creating a show-stopping chocolate pecan pie cake that will mesmerize your taste buds.
Assembly and Frosting
After preparing the chocolate cake, pecan pie filling, and salted caramel sauce, it’s time to bring all these components together in a delightful chocolate pecan pie cake. Here’s how I assemble and frost this indulgent treat:
Layering the Cake and Filling
- Start by placing one layer of chocolate cake on a cake stand or plate.
- Spread a generous amount of pecan pie filling on top of the cake layer.
- Gently place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the filling.
- Repeat the process by adding another layer of pecan pie filling.
- Finally, place the last chocolate cake layer on top to complete the stack.
Applying the Buttercream
- Prepare a batch of buttercream frosting using butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk.
- Apply a thin layer of buttercream on the assembled cake to create a crumb coat. This initial layer seals the cake to prevent crumbs from mixing into the final frosting.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Once the crumb coat is set, apply a thick and even layer of buttercream on the cake using an offset spatula. Spread the frosting smoothly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Drizzle the top of the cake with the prepared salted caramel sauce, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish the cake with extra pecan halves or crushed pecans for a crunchy texture and added visual appeal.
- For a final touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cake to enhance the flavors and create a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
By following these steps for assembly and frosting, you’ll transform a simple chocolate pecan pie cake into a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy any sweet cravings.
Serving and Storage
Best Serving Practices
When serving the chocolate pecan pie cake, I recommend slicing it with a sharp knife that has been warmed under hot water and wiped dry. This helps achieve clean, beautiful slices that showcase the layers of chocolate cake, pecan pie filling, and caramel. Serve the cake at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld perfectly, creating a delightful experience for your guests.
Storage Recommendations
To store the decadent chocolate pecan pie cake, place it in an airtight cake container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness. Before serving leftover slices, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavors and textures. Consider refrigerating any leftover salted caramel sauce separately and gently reheat it when needed to preserve its luscious consistency.
Conclusion
Creating a chocolate pecan pie cake is a delightful way to indulge in the rich flavors of pecan pie and moist chocolate cake. By layering the cake with pecan pie filling, buttercream frosting, and salted caramel sauce, you can achieve a decadent dessert that will impress your guests. Remember to slice the cake with a warm knife for a clean presentation and serve it at room temperature to savor all the flavors. Proper storage in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep your cake fresh for several days. Don’t forget to refrigerate any extra salted caramel sauce separately and gently reheat it for the perfect consistency when needed. Enjoy the sweet and nutty combination of chocolate pecan pie cake for a memorable dessert experience.